The Poetry Circus: It’s an Experience & It Needs our Generosity

Imagine reciting lines while riding a lion. How about riding one’s steed while being regaled with verse?

Well, the “poetic rides” are free at Griffith Park’s historical and restored merry-go-round at The Poetry Circus.

Favorite local writers and poets will be reading such as Ron Koertge, Kim Dower, Nicelle Davis, Douglas Kearney, and Cindy Rinne, and Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Luis J. Rodriguez is featured along with 33 established poets. Rachel Jennings contemplates “What Is a Shakespearean Fool?” with Gary Boyles and Glynis Fuller, and prepare for “The Duel of Fools!”

Besides poetry, there will be “crafts for kids, haiku balloons, a paper monster, circus performers, and freaks and geeks are not only welcome, but expected.” Chapbooks will be available for purchase at the book fair.

“Come join us, won’t you?”
—organizer and poet Nicelle Davis.

What is The Poetry Circus:
The Poetry Circus is part workshop, community outreach, performance, ride, dance, and creation. This community event blurs the line between performer and audience to allow everyone the chance to run away and join the circus.

This Year’s Poetry Circus:This August 26, 2017—in celebration of the 97th anniversary of the 19th Amendment—we will host 25 women poets, performers, as well as many literary organizations and literacy outreach programs.

By presenting poetry in an alternative venue, the egalitarian characteristics of poetry are amplified. Poetry is for everyone, regardless of where we come from or how we got there; we all process and understand the world through metaphor.